Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

December 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS252

LOCATION

كفر نايا, Kafr Naya, Aleppo, Syria

Three children and a civilian man were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Naya, Aleppo, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that three civilians were killed by Russian warplanes but listed all the victims as children. The VDC named two victims and also included one Unidentified –

Summary

First published
December 9, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 29, 2019

Incident Code

RS3735

LOCATION

البارة, Al Bara, Idlib, Syria

A man and his two young children were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Bara town in the Jabal al Zaweya area in Idlib on May 29th, according to local sources. The wife of the victim died of her injuries sustained in the attack on June 2nd. The Syrian Network for

Summary

First published
May 29, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2–3 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS2991

LOCATION

مديرا, Mdyra, Damascus, Syria

Up to four civilians, including up to two children and one woman, were killed following alleged Assad or Russian-waged aerial shelling and/or missile attacks of Mdyra, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. According to local reports, the incident in Mdyra was one out of many that day in eastern Ghouta. According to the Syrian Observatory

Summary

First published
February 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1–2 children1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS476

LOCATION

الخريطة, Al Khareeta, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three or more civilians including 2 to 3 women and one child were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Khareeta, according to three sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said the victims died when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on Al Khareeta. Both the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child2–3 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS700

LOCATION

الزعينية, Al Zou’ainiyah, Idlib, Syria

Up to four people died and at least 10 were injured when a ballistic missile hit Al Zou’ainiyah – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russian warships or the Assad regime. Alaraby reported that Russian warships stationed in the Mediterranean launched ballistic missiles on Al Zou’ainiyah, resulting in three

Summary

First published
March 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(0–2 women2–4 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–13
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS958

LOCATION

المسرب, Al Masreb, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least four civilians, including two children and one woman, were killed in airstrikes on the village al-Mashreb, reported local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible for the deaths. Most sources, including Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently, al-AMAWI, Baladi News and the Syrian Network

Summary

First published
June 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2758

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Possible Russian warplanes struck the city of Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, killing at least one civilian, local media reported. MasarPress, who blamed Russian warplanes, reported how Hajeen village and the crossing of the village of Abbas al-Nahari east of Deir al-Zour were struck by several raids, killing a total of four civilians. The report did not,

Summary

First published
November 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1639

LOCATION

الهللك, Huluk, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that Syrian or Russian airstrikes and artillery killed up to four civilians and injured several more in the al-Huluk neighbourhood, Aleppo. Sources reported that al-Huluk was among the many neighbourhoods in Aleppo which was subject to air raids and artillery shelling that day. The shelling reportedly killed between three and four civilians. While

Summary

First published
November 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3654

LOCATION

الهبيط, Al Habit, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian or Syrian regime air and/or artillery strikes on the town of Al Habit, Idlib governorate, killed up to four civilians on May 4th, 2019, local media reported. Multiple sources reported the shelling of civilian infrastructure. According to @AishaSapri, the health centre was struck, while the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported damage to

Summary

First published
May 4, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child1–2 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS327

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Three to four civilians including one child were killed and dozens injured in airstrikes on Palmyra, according to multiple sources. The Shaam News Network reported that it was the second day in a row that Russian  warplanes killed non-combatants in the city and said that three had died in bombing raids carried out by “tens of Russian aircraft

Summary

First published
December 28, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS455

LOCATION

تدمر, Bal el Hawa or Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

Three to four civilians including two children and possibly one woman were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Bab el Hawa and Sarmada, according to two local sources.

Summary

First published
January 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2 children0–1 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS551

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

Four civilians included one child died in raids on Talbiseh, according to local sources. While the majority alleged that Russia was responsible, one source – Smart – says the deaths occurred as the result of shelling by Assad regime artillery. In a news roundup, Shaam News Network reported that “Russian warplanes have been carrying out

Summary

First published
February 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child3 men)
Civilians reported injured
12
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS711

LOCATION

شنهصة, Shahnasa village, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians died in an alleged Russian strike on the village of Shahnasa, according to local sources. HNN named Karim Hussein al-Abdullah as a victim and said three more unidentified people were killed in a Russian strike. DCHRS also named Karim Hussein al-Abdullah and added that three unidentified victims died. It too blamed

Summary

First published
March 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2736

LOCATION

السيال الغربي, Alsayyal Algharbi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and four civilian were killed, and an unspecified number of others were injured in airstrikes on Alsayyal Algharbi, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the airstrikes. Only one source reported the death of four civilians, while most others reported that two  adult male displaced brothers were

Summary

First published
November 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1286

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported at least one and as many as four dead as a result of either Russian airstrikes or regime shelling in the al Ferdos neighborhood of Aleppo on September 19th. Almodon News said that “Russian fighter jets bombed the eastern districts of Aleppo,” including al Ferdos. Smart News and Alaraby News both used

Summary

First published
September 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1480

LOCATION

Bariha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and four civilians died and five more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bariha village, according to local media. Euphrates Post, Sound and Picture and 7al all blamed Russia. A number of other sources didn’t identify the warplanes that carried out the attack. Euphrates Post put the death toll at four,

Summary

First published
October 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1645a RS2643

LOCATION

الغبرة, Al-Ghabra, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airstrikes struck a residential neighbourhood and popular market in Al-Ghabra – according to local media. As many as four civilians were killed and others were injured. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the airstrikes, some attributing blame to Russian warplanes while others blamed the Syrian regime.  Some sources attributed blame to

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1–2 children1–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS242

LOCATION

الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three or four civilians including a child and at least one women were reported killed – and dozens injured – in an alleged Russian airstrike in the neighbourhood of Salheen, according to Shaam News Network and the White Helmets. The White Helmets reported that the team managed to rescue three people and transferred them to

Summary

First published
December 7, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child1–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 15, 2019

Incident Code

RS3804

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, Syria

At least three civilians were reportedly killed in an airstrike with three rockets on civilian homes in the outskirts of Ma’arat al-Nu’man south of Idlib. Smart News blamed the Syrian regime and added that 13 others were wounded in addition to causing destruction to homes and property. Some sources said the airstrikes resulted in the

Summary

First published
June 15, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–13
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2018

Incident Code

RS3267

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Local media reported that four adult male civilians died in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Saqba. @ragga_shkeir tweeted that there were “Russian air strikes with guided missiles and missiles loaded with internationally prohibited cluster bombs”. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least 4 civilians were killed as Syrian/Russian warplanes fired missiles

Summary

First published
March 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS562

LOCATION

معارة الارتيق, Maarat al Arteek, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians including two women and two children died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Maarat al Arteek, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Additionally, Shaam News Network reported alleged Russian strikes on the town, but did not provide casualty numbers: “They [Russia] also targeted with cluster bombs anadan city and the towns of

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS594

LOCATION

حزوان, Hazwan, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians (possibly from the same family) including two children and one woman were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hazwan, according to the Violations Documentation Center. In a news roundup, Shaam news Network reported that “In the Eastern Aleppo countryside, Russian enemy planes carried out raids on the towns of al Bab, Tadef, Deir

Summary

First published
February 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS690

LOCATION

الليرامون, Liramon, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Centre, four civilians including three women died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Liramon. The four victims were named by the VDC. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
February 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 women1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS883

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians including one woman and one child died in an airstrike on Hraytan, according to local sources – though it’s unclear form reports whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. LCCSY, pointed towards Russia, saying that  one civilian died as a result of “shelling by vacuum missiles and cluster bombs“. A later

Summary

First published
June 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1076

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians died and seven others were wounded in airstrikes on Anadan, local sources said, though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Most of the sources, however, attributed the event to Russia. According to a Facebook post by Anadan Hospital, “Russian warplanes shelled the hospital with parachute

Summary

First published
July 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1361

LOCATION

Qadi Askar, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and four people were killed in airstrikes on Qadi Askar in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. AMC reported that two children were killed, while The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said “at least one child” had died, while AleppoAMC put the number at four. Most sources didn’t name the belligerent, though

Summary

First published
September 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1–4 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

June 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2294

LOCATION

جبل ركبة المرزوق, Rakbat Al Marzouk Mountain, Homs, Syria

The Smart News Agency reported that four civilians were killed – including a woman and a child – and seven others were injured, following an airstrike on Rakbat Al Marzouk Mountain. Smart News reported on this incident twice, and blamed Russia in both instances. It added that the vicinity was under the control of ISIS.

Summary

First published
June 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS2892

LOCATION

كفر بطيخ, Kafr Batikh, Idlib, Syria

Three to four civilians were reportedly killed, and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes which struck the vicinity of Kafr Batikh. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for airstrikes. Sources reported that RPGs were fired on the vicinity by SU 24 planes, which are Russian. The event was described as a massacre, due

Summary

First published
January 13, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
8–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 29, 2019

Incident Code

RS3736

LOCATION

الهبيط, Al Habit, Idlib, Syria

At least three civilians were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Al Habit, Idlib governorate, on May 29th, 2019, according to local sources. @NagiNajjar reported that “three civilian men were martyred as a result of an airstrike by the warplanes of the Assad forces on the outskirts of the town

Summary

First published
May 29, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

February 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS2992

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Between two and four civilians, including one child and one woman, were killed and at least one child was wounded following alleged Assad or Russian-waged aerial shelling of Saqba, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. According to local reports, the incident in Saqba was one out of many that day in eastern Ghouta. According to

Summary

First published
February 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident